About US
How We
Started
In
May of 1971, at the invitation of Gladys Golden, a small group of
interested persons formed a local historical and genealogical society
related to the municipalities of Harrow and Colchester South Township.
The celebration of Canada’s Centennial in 1967 had brought
attention to the stories that should be researched and written, to the
artifacts that portray our culture, and to the lineages of ethnic
groups that descended from cultures in Europe and Africa.
Our
Official Name“Harrow Early
Immigrant
Research Society, HEIRS” – was chosen by our
founding president, Gladys Golden to emphasize our roots and also to
use the acronym “HEIRS” to reflect our cultural
heritage. We are also interested in the continual happenings of our
region, and in recently immigrated ethnic groups.
Our
OrganizationIn December of 1971 our
organization was incorporated, and as such we are responsible to our
own bylaws, but we are affiliated members of the Ontario Historical
Society and the Ontario Genealogical Society, which provide us with
information and support. Nine elected directors, who volunteer their
time, administer the business of HEIRS. All activities and projects are
handled by volunteers.
PurposeAt
our Annual Meeting in May of 2003, our purpose was redefined to the
activities which have been developed through the years, namely:
1.
To preserve local history and family history.
2.
To encourage research into local and family history.
3.
To encourage the preservation of historical artifacts and buildings.
MeetingsThe
membership meets monthly, on the fourth Thursday, excluding June, July,
August, and December. The meetings are held in the Community Room,
Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre, Arena Building, at 7:30
p.m., unless otherwise stated. The public is welcome.
Publications:Our
newsletter is a source of information for local media, highlighting
events of historical interest, new studies undertaken, information
wanted and causes worth supporting. Genealogical queries are circulated
to our membership.
Our written history dates
from 1792 in a Loyalist settlement: The New Settlement on Lake Erie,
Two Connected Townships of Gosfield and Colchester. In 1993 a community
task force, which included some HEIRS members published: Harrow and
Colchester South, 1792-1992
Government
Recognition and SupportHEIRS has been
supported
by annual operation grants from the
Ontario
Ministry of Culture based
on a percentage of funds raised and spent for preservation of documents
and community education. We have received provincial heritage grants
which assisted us in the purchase of equipment and information
retrieval systems. Students have been hired each year since 1973 under
Federal Manpower programs. The municipal governments of Harrow and
Colchester South supported us with accommodation and donations. We are
now part of the amalgamated Town of Essex.
